THE KARATE KID KICKS ITS WAY TO #1 PAST ‘THE A TEAM’

In the 1980s, “The Karate Kid” was such a box office success that it spawned a franchise of merchandise and memorabilia. Well, the 80s is back…

The 2010 Sony reboot, starring Jaden Smith, kicked ass at the weekend box office, beating out the new release of “The A-Team” and raking in $56 million to start.

According to the studio, the new “Karate Kid” cost just $40 million to make and the $56 million debut far exceeded expectations.

“It’s just an unmitigated grand slam hit,” said Rory Bruer, Sony’s head of distribution who also worked on distribution for the 1984 version. “I loved the original ‘Karate Kid,’ but they took this beloved title, and they made it relevant, fresh and absolutely exciting.”

The 2010 “Karate Kid” stars Smith as an American boy who moves with his mom to China, where he takes on a bully under the guidance of an unassuming martial-arts master (Jackie Chan).

It’s Jaden’s first lead role, and he’s just 11 years old. Will and Jada Pinkett Smith are producers on the film.

Behind the #1 film is “The A-Team” at #2 with a debut of just $26 million. It’s the official big-screen adaptation of the 1980s TV series of the same title.

After three weekends at #1, “Shrek Forever After” slipped to #3 with $15.8 million this weekend, taking it’s domestic haul to $210.1 million, becoming the fourth movie released this year to top $200 million.

From #2 to #4 this week is “Get Him to the Greek” with $10.1 million, and “Killers” rounds out the top 5 with $8.1 million.

That wraps things up this weekend. Next weekend, look out for the releases of “Jonah Hex” starring Megan Fox, and “Toy Story 3.”